How do you ensure that your product stays relevant in the future? Reach out to the next generation of innovators. Several large companies are doing just that — as they attempt to encourage software start-ups to use their products and services.

A conversation with MySQL chief Marten Mickos about the day-to-day realities of making open source work, the new outcomes of enlightened self-interest, and why there’s no risk that you could rip off MySQL no matter how much they let you see.